Puka Nacua's brother among two arrested for allegedly taking Adou Thiero's SUV

Strange news from the sports world broke Thursday night, as it was reported that former NFL wide receiver Samson Nacua was one of two people arrested for taking Los Angeles Lakers rookie forward Adou Thiero‘s SUV without his consent.

Per NBC4, ‘Deputies were called to the One Hotel in West Hollywood after the vehicle was tracked to the hotel. There, the suspects had valeted the car and entered the hotel. While reviewing security footage, deputies were able to identify the suspects and found them soon after. They then arrested them on suspicion of taking the SUV.’

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, it is still unknown where Nacua and accomplice Trey Rose took possession of the SUV.

Two men, including the brother of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, were arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero’s SUV without his consent, LASD exclusively told NBC4 Investigates.https://t.co/Xl1utclJs5

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) December 18, 2025

Samson Nacua, who previously enjoyed stints in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts (2022) and the New Orleans Saints (2024), is currently a member of the United Football League’s Michigan Panthers. His brother, Puka Nacua, is an All-Pro wide receiver currently in the midst of his third season with the Los Angeles Rams.

Nacua and Rose’s motive to take off with Thiero’s SUV remains unclear. Per NBC4, ‘Both men face a charge of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and remain behind bars. It’s unclear if either suspect has an attorney who can speak on their behalf.’

Thiero, who played college basketball at Kentucky and Arkansas, was selected by the Lakers with the No. 36 pick in the Second Round of the 2025 NBA Draft. He has appeared in nine games for Los Angeles this season, averaging 1.1 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.1 assists.